Month: September 2014

Meet Author Susan Mills Wilson

Here at Proof Positive, we’re huge fans of books that have something for everyone. Susan Mills Wilson’s latest book, Her Lying Eyes, has it all: suspense, romance, mystery, murder, politics, and lies – lots of them. If you’re looking for a book you can convince all your friends to read before you get together for lunch, you’ve found “the one”. Something tells me a lot of book clubs will be starting up once you discover this book. Be sure to check it out, but first read on to find out more about Wilson herself and how she develops characters and storylines that will have you reading far past your bedtime.

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How long did it take you to plan Her Lying Eyes before you began writing it?

I worked out the plot in my head about two months before I began writing a single word. I knew which direction I wanted to take it and who would be the main characters to carry the plot. Crazy as it sounds, I feel it’s important for me to develop a relationship with my imaginary characters so I will know how they will interact with each other and how they will react to situations, good or bad.

Do you mostly write in this particular genre or do you dabble in other genres? If so, which ones?

I also like to write romantic short stories. They’re always feel-good reads where the boy gets the girl or vice versa. Also, every Christmas, I write a holiday short story that I send to family and friends just for the fun of it. I write a weekly blog on my website that satisfies the nonfiction writer in me.

What do you think makes your work stand apart from other works in your genre?

Many romantic suspense books are cozy, but I like to write gritty. However, some topics are off limits for me. I don’t write about torture, child abuse, diabolical killers or erotica. What really makes my work stand apart is the complex relationships of characters where they are torn between decisions that could have dire consequences. Everyone, including my main characters, have flaws that sometimes take them over the edge. For example, Kirkus Review said this about my debut novel, GOOD GONE BAD: Like the best noir, this story puts its characters through an emotional wringer and makes the reader feel their desperation, too.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people you know or have seen/talked to in real life?

None of the characters are based on real people; however, they are a composite of certain traits I have seen in others. A minor character, newspaper editor Stu Blackmon, talks nonstop, and I feel we all know someone like that. In this novel, the head of the Reynolds empire is a rich, powerful person who abuses his wealth and influence, similar to real people we all read about in the news. Main character Jamison Jackson is an investigative reporter, a career I always wanted to have. I guess I’m living out that dream through her.

What inspires you to write? Music? Other books? Real life events? Just an incredible imagination?

My first novel (not yet published) was inspired by a Toby Keith song, “That’s My House.” Most of my inspiration comes from real life events that readers can identify with. My next novel, MELTDOWN, was inspired because I was at a concert in a park and saw a church tower across the street. I thought, “Wouldn’t that be a great place for a sniper to take shots at a crowd?” What can I say? Suspense writers are twisted.

Are you part of any writers’ groups? If so, what do you like about them? How do they help you or inspire you? If not, why not?

One of the most important things I have done, which I recommend to other writers, is to get involved in a critique group. I am coordinator of The Mystery Critique Group in my town. Their advice has been invaluable to me. I listened to what they said and accordingly made changes in writing HER LYING EYES.

Do you plan your writing out with outlines, character development exercises, and other pre-writing activities? Or do you just write as it comes to you?

The outline for my story is in my head. Sometimes I will mark up a calendar to get a timeline of when the action is to be played out. I write mock interviews with characters so I can get inside their heads and write from their point of view. I also write a personal profile of all main characters that includes their weaknesses, strength, goals, habits, how they dress, and even what their favorite drink is.

Did you do any research for this book?

The subplot of this book involves a toxic spill of chemicals, either accidental or intentional. I had to read a lot of articles and documentation to get it right. Also, I have attended three police citizens academies so that I have a clear understanding of police procedures and investigations. If there are mistakes with that part of the story, it’s on me and not the officers I consulted with.

Do you read the kinds of books you like to write? Do you watch movies similar to or the same genre as your writing?

Yes, I read mostly suspenseful books, but not necessarily romantic suspense. I like a book that is a good page-turner. I enjoy movies that keep you on the edge of your seat. I sometimes visualize certain actors in the roles of my characters.

If you could write anywhere in the world – in a fictional or nonfictional place – where would you write?

If I could write anywhere, it would be somewhere on the coast. I love the Carolina coast because it’s close to home and I know it well. Of course, laying low in a bungalow on a Caribbean island doesn’t sound like a bad gig either.

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Connect with Susan Mills Wilson:
Twitter
Amazon
Goodreads
Facebook

Check out Her Lying Eyes:
Amazon

Her Lying Eyes Cover

Your Author Website Could Be Killing Your Book Sales

by Anita Stratos, Proof Positive Editor

So you’ve given your new book as much social media play as you possibly can. Your efforts have resulted in a nice, steady uptick in visitors to your author website, which is just what you wanted.

Your blog talks about things like your writing process, inspirations for your book, your characters, your favorite writing spots, real world issues related to your book – whatever you feel is relevant and interesting.

Could any of this actually be working against the sale of your book?

If your website or blog posts contain misspellings, grammatical errors, poor phrasing – all those things you’ve hopefully had edited out of your book – then your credibility will take a hit.

Your website and blog posts may very well be the first impression many potential readers computer-trapget of you and your writing, and as the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Readers view your website and blog posts as a reflection of you and your work. If your blog posts don’t show that you care enough to double and triple check for errors or write in a meaningful way, readers will understandably assume your book will be the same.

If you can’t step back from your writing far enough to see what needs fixing, ask a friend or fellow writer you trust to help, or see if your editor is willing to do it for a small fee.

One last note: choose your font carefully. This isn’t just a lot of type hype – fonts speak to readers. There are entire studies on the psychology of typography and the messages different fonts convey. Just like choosing the right name for your characters depending on their personalities (you wouldn’t name a tough, bar brawling assassin Harvey Milktoast), you also wouldn’t use a futuristic-looking font to describe a cozy, laid-back country romance story or Comic Sans font for a thriller.

With a shiny clean website, you’ll give your book a much better chance.

The Glass Heart Girl, Britain’s Next Bestseller

Introduction by Proof Positive Editor Morgan Marsicano

Readers, look out! The up-and-coming author Michelle Diana Lowe is back with a new novel and is set to publish it with Britain’s Next Bestseller! However, in order to do so, she needs your help and support. For those of you who don’t know Michelle, she is a bright, spirited and caring individual whose writing speaks volumes for who she is. Through her craft, she allows us to feel for the characters in her novels and to provide hope for those who struggle with the same issues as her characters. The Glass Heart Girl is such a creation, as it tells the story of a girl who endured gender-based violence and is learning to love herself and to know what it means to be truly loved by someone else instead of enduring abuse and misuse at the hands of a man. Michelle gives a voice to the hurting woman, a voice that needs to be heard in a world increasingly riddled with pain. I think it would be fantastic for such a book to be read by those out there who are unfamiliar with how an abused individual suffers internally and how her struggle affects her ability to move forward with her life, and it’s also a great story about empowerment and love.

To help Michelle get her book into the hands of readers, however, she needs at least 250 readers to pre-order a copy of her book. So read on to hear more from Michelle about herself, why her book is great, and how you can go about getting yourself a copy!

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TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is Michelle Diana Lowe. I was born in East London and I’ve lived there most of my life. It’s amazing to live in a vibrant part of the city that is so alive and never sleeps. Writing has always been my passion, and I’ve had a strong desire to write since the age of six. Words excite me and move me, and writing makes me feel complete.

After graduating from Roehampton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature with Philosophy, my literary voice developed, and I finally started seeing a unique style in my writing. My literary career took a real turn for the better in January 2014, when my novel, Heaven Calls For An Angel, was discovered and published by a digital publisher. Writing this book proved to be an emotional task, since I wrote it as a tribute to a dear friend who sadly passed away the previous year.

Since January, I have met so many wonderful people online, including writers, readers, editors, bloggers, artists, music artists, and more with whom I have shared experiences, and many of them have helped me greatly. I have also grown so much as a writer this year, and I am so blessed that I’ve had the opportunity to share my work with others.

I currently raise money for good causes and support a number of charities, one of which is The Women and Girls Network, an organisation that provides life-changing services and support for female victims of domestic and gender-based violence.

WHAT IS THE GLASS HEART GIRL ABOUT?

The book tells the riveting story of Alena Pavlis, a beautiful 20-year-old woman, who is trying to rebuild her life and heal old wounds after being abused as a child. She goes to the University of Leicester and during Freshers’ Week meets the love of her life, the gorgeous Phillip Gregson. Although Phillip and Alena share a wonderful kind of love, a love she’s never felt before, she is at risk of losing herself as well as this special relationship, because THE GLASS HEART GIRL EBOOK COVERshe cannot let go of her past and is haunted by the dark memories of the abuse she suffered. Psychologically trapped by her childhood abuser and plagued by the demons that almost claimed her life, Alena must find a way to move on and embrace Phillip’s love, before it is too late. Can she banish the ghosts of yesterday and enjoy a future with the man she loves? Or will the spirits of the past devour her?

This is a powerful story of a woman’s courage, bravery and determination to overcome a distressing childhood and welcome a new life with the man she loves.

HOW IS THE GLASS HEART GIRL DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BOOKS, AND WHY IS IT SO SPECIAL?

The Glass Heart Girl gives a voice to underrepresented groups in society, but most of all, it gives a voice to women who have experienced gender-based violence. With its message of hope, this moving novel aims to help these women find their way onto the road of recovery. Working as an administrator in a children’s centre has really helped me to understand what these women are going through. Coping with the mental and physical scars of such violence can be an uphill struggle for these women. Quite often I come into contact with vulnerable females, just like my protagonist Alena, who have suffered trauma as a result of gender-based violence. I support these women by referring them to counselling and other appropriate services and by helping them to deal with their issues and raw emotions. In time, many of these women can heal and move forward with their lives.

I feel honoured and privileged to have the BNBS platform to raise awareness of these sensitive women’s issues and I am happy that I can show people how special and brave these women truly are with the power of words.

The setting of The Glass Heart Girl is also very significant. It is set in the University of Leicester—Alena, Phillip and Becca live in the Botanic Gardens at the University, a location that represents a sanctuary with the power to restore Alena’s faith in life and love.

The Glass Heart Girl is one of the most significant women’s fiction books written in today’s society, as it gives a voice to women, especially young women, who have experienced gender violence. The book aims to empower these women and help them move on with their lives. The main characters are in their early twenties—the story is set at the University of Leicester and is told with a fresh honest voice, in a way that is relatable to readers.

PUBLISHING CONTRACT – BNBS

I have signed a Pre-Publishing Agreement with Britain’s Next Bestseller (BNBS) for my ground-breaking women’s fiction book, The Glass Heart Girl.

BNBS is a new and exciting imprint which launched in March 2014 and was founded by UK Publisher Live It Publishing. They select a handful of authors (less than 30) out of thousands every two to four months. The authors they select have written a novel which they believe has the potential to be a bestseller. BNBS gives their signed authors a great online platform to promote their books between eight and twelve weeks (timescale chosen by the author), and the author is encouraged to gain reader support within that set period to secure the publishing deal. If the target is not received with the allocated time, the author will not secure the deal.

My pre-order target is 250. This means once 250 or more readers order a copy of The Glass Heart Girl within a ten-week period, I win the publishing deal. My pre-order page will be live between September 19 and November 28 on my publisher’s website, www.britainsnextbestseller.co.uk. So, I would really appreciate your help and support to make my dream a reality and to get a very important book in print and made available in bookstores and in the wider community.

To pre-order The Glass Heart Girl is £8.99 plus £2.99 postage and packaging. Postage and packaging costs for orders from outside the UK are slightly higher. Please note that if I reach my target, I will get the publishing deal and you will get your paperback copy of my book two weeks before it hits the bookstores. Sounds great, doesn’t it? If you pre-order and I don’t reach my target by the 28th of November, you will not get charged a penny, but unfortunately you will also not receive my book. So please pre-order my book and help The Glass Heart Girl make it to print and into the bookshops! Those who pre-order also will receive their copy with their name written inside every copy ordered as a thank you for purchasing the book as well as receive access to lots of competitions, prizes and author goodies. So what are you waiting for?

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**To pre-order the book beginning on Friday, September 19, or to find out more information about BNBS, please visit their website – www.britainsnextbestseller.co.uk **

Superfluous Verbiage and Unnecessary Words

by Anita Stratos, Proof Positive Editor

Did you trip over the title of this post? Did you have to read it twice? If so, that’s because both phrases, “superfluous verbiage” and “unnecessary words”, mean the same thing, but your mind was trying to discern a difference.

When you use extra words or duplicate a meaning in your writing, it can do a couple of different things: it can slow the action or forward movement of the story, and/or it can stop readers in their tracks while their minds backtrack over the repetition, searching for a missed meaning or misinterpretation. Neither is good.

Repetitions and extra verbiage slow stories down and can put the brakes on action scenes.

A few smaller examples we see frequently are:

“She took out her cell phone and dialed his number, then immediately hung up the phone.” The words “the phone” are superfluous because it’s already clear that the person was using a phone. Something like this may seem insignificant, but eliminating even the smallest unnecessary words tightens your writing and moves the story along faster. And in a story where there’s one superfluous phrase, chances are there are many more – add them up and you’ve got a lot of drag.

“His train was arriving at five o’clock p.m. in the evening.” When referring to a time aftererasing words noon, “p.m.” is used, just like “a.m.” is used for morning. Therefore, using “in the evening” after “p.m.” is repetitious and can actually be annoying to some readers.

“He put his hat on his head as he walked out of her life forever.” “On his head” is extra verbiage because it’s assumed that’s where he’d put his hat – where else would it go? “He put on his hat as he walked out of her life forever” is smoother and has more impact without the unnecessary words.

Even more problematic, though, are entire phrases that essentially repeat what was just said without adding any new information.

“She tucked the letter into her pocket, secreting it away from prying eyes. It would be safe in her pocket where no one would see it.” If you see this type of repetition in your writing, choose whichever phrasing best fits the scene and keeps the action or tension going. Sometimes you may end up using the best of both worlds – a combination of the two: “She secreted the letter away in her pocket, where it would be safe from prying eyes.” No repetition, but plenty of information in a condensed and to-the-point way.

Tight writing moves faster and makes your points clearer, which readers always appreciate.

Go That Extra Mile!

by Anita Stratos, Proof Positive Editor

Your book is edited, polished, published, and out there for the world to enjoy. You’ve got it listed on Amazon, its beautiful cover (that you agonized over getting just right) beckoning readers with its siren call, “You want me!”

Is that enough? No, it’s just the beginning.

You need to write a good come-hither summary for your Amazon listing. Something that whets readers’ appetites for your story, a real teaser that shows them your characters are interesting and your story is one they just must read.

And while a good summary is important, people also want to know something about the writer behind the words. Too many authors miss this prime opportunity to connect with potential readers. They forget about Amazon’s Author Pages, a great way to introduce yourself to your readers. It doesn’t need to be a lengthy life story – nor should it be – just enough information relative to you as an author.

If you want, you can also include a short paragraph at the end about your next work in ladywithflagsprogress, but remember to update that part when the work in progress becomes a published book. Make sure to include a good picture of yourself with your bio, one that suits the types of books you write.

With both the summary and your bio, double check, triple check, and quadruple check for errors. You can lose lots of sales if readers see obvious mistakes; they’ll naturally figure the book will be poorly written too. And we’ve read endless accounts, from blogs all the way up to the New York Times, about how much readers hate seeing too many typos, misspellings, and other mistakes, not to mention plot and character inconsistencies and other errors. In fact, many books have been returned to Amazon with complaints about numerous errors – and Amazon has refunded the buyers’ money. Don’t be that author.

On the other hand, books that have been well proofread are noticed and appreciated. In a review of book Proof Positive proofread, the reviewer wrote, “I appreciate that she gave her readers clean spelling and punctuation.”

Reviews are important to sales on Amazon, so ask for them from friends, family members, and readers who are willing to write reviews in exchange for a free copy of your book.

Go the extra mile and you may be rewarded with extra sales!

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